Portable Lighting Controller Brightness Ramp Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable lighting devices, particularly those using LEDs, experience abrupt changes in illumination levels, causing temporary vision impairment as human eyes adjust to sudden changes, and existing technologies lack effective control mechanisms to manage illumination levels due to varying power supply voltages and temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A portable lighting device controller that monitors onboard components and environmental characteristics to gradually increase or decrease brightness, using a defined brightness rate of change, and adjusts the steady-state brightness level based on detected parameters, such as battery voltage and light source temperature, to provide a smooth transition and conserve power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If LED portable lighting devices are used to provide immediate full illumination, then the lighting efficiency and responsiveness are improved, but the human eye adjustment period is compromised causing temporary vision impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a gradual brightness increase mechanism that activates before full illumination is needed. The controller progressively increases LED brightness from a lower initial level to full brightness over a predetermined time period, allowing eyes to adapt in advance to the changing light conditions, thereby preventing temporary vision impairment while maintaining lighting responsiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gradual brightness increase is implemented to accommodate eye adjustment, then temporary vision impairment is reduced, but the lighting device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing a controller that automatically manages the gradual brightness increase sequence without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously monitors the predetermined time period and adjusts LED current accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual controls or additional user interface components while still providing the eye-protection benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the electrical current parameter supplied to the LED over time. The controller varies the current magnitude from an initial lower value to a final higher value according to a predetermined temporal profile, enabling gradual brightness adjustment without adding mechanical or structural complexity to the lighting device.
3Illumination intensity
If high current is supplied to LED for maximum brightness, then illumination intensity is improved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by supplying a reduced initial current to the LED before transitioning to maximum current. During the predetermined time period, the controller progressively increases current from a lower initial level to the maximum level needed for full brightness. This staged approach reduces peak power consumption and heat generation compared to immediately supplying maximum current, while still achieving the required illumination intensity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for a gradual adjustment of illumination levels, reducing temporary vision impairment and conserving power by optimizing the use of the onboard power supply, resulting in a brighter light output over time while minimizing power consumption and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (e.g., one or more LEDs)
Implementation Method 2
light source comprising one or more light emitting diodes
Implementation Method 3
gradually increase a current level flowing from the onboard power supply to the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A portable lighting device such as a flashlight, headlight, or electric lantern comprises an onboard power supply (e.g., one or more batteries), a light source (e.g., one or more LEDs), and an onboard controller for regulating the light emitted by the portable lighting device. The onboard controller is in communication with one or more sensors configured to monitor component characteristics, such as a light source temperature and/or a power supply voltage. Based at least in part on the monitored characteristics, the controller is configured to generate a start-up ramp profile to gradually increase the brightness level emitted by the light source according to a defined brightness rate of change. After a power switch for the portable lighting device is activated, the controller initializes the start-up ramp profile to gradually increase the brightness emitted from the portable lighting device to a steady-state brightness level.